Browse Reviews :: Take Your Best Shot
Take Your Best Shot Do Something Bigger Than Yourself
By Austin Gutwein with Todd Hillard
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On 3/7 Rafael Lara wrote: This is a very inspiring book. In a time in which many things around the world are going apparently wrong (i.e., earthquakes, devastation, AIDS in Africa, hunger, sex trafficking, etc), it's great to see what people can do when they put their minds and heart to it.The great part about this book is that ... Take Your Best Shot
On 2/17 Neal Taylor wrote: I recently signed up to review books for Thomas Nelson and selected "Take Your Best Shot - Do Something Bigger Than Yourself" by Austin Gutwein with Todd Hillard as my first book - I guess based on the slick cover and the small description which captured my imagination. When the book arrived, I placed ... Inspiring and Motivational Book for Young & Old
On 2/15 Bastab Chakraborty wrote: Well, this book is special, in its own means and the place it managed to curve in my heart superbly. The cover may seem as feeble and light in content unlike what it’s actually. Austin Gutwein told us a story that is not entirely his and also entirely his in two different aspects that we ... Book Review: ‘Take your Best Shot’ by Austin Gutwein
On 1/29 Amber French wrote: "God is in the slums, in the cardboard boxes where the poor play house. God is in the silence of a mother who has infected her child with a virus that will end both their lives. God is in the cries heard under the rubble of war. God is in the debris of wasted opportunity and lives and God is with us ... inspiring and challenging
On 1/24 LaTanya Harper wrote: What can one person do? There are many people that feel that one person is not able to make an impact. That one person is not capable of changing the world. Mother Teresa says it best, "If you can't feed a hundred people, then feed just one." Austin Gutwein did just that. Austin (who is currently twelve ... Book Review: "Take Your Best Shot" by Austin Gutwein
On 1/24 Rachel Van Deusen wrote: I requested this book because it looked interesting and I thought it would be a good, quick read. Little did I know it would turn into a daily devotional between my sister (she is 13) every morning on the way to school. I never realized that this book would lend itself to such a unique oppurtunity ... Take Your Best Shot: Do Something Bigger Than Yourself
On 1/15 Michelle Herman wrote: Recently I had the opportunity, courtesy of Thomas Nelson publishers, to read the encouraging book "Take Your Best Shot" by Austin Gutwein. I enjoyed that it was a light, quick read and when I was finished, I passed it on to my teenage daughter for her to enjoy. Young Austin saw a need and set out to ... Take Your Best Shot ~ A Review
On 1/13 JoAnn Kuhn wrote: I didn't know what to think of this book when I agreed to review it for Thomas Nelson Publishers. It's billed as a book for teens yet it chronicles the beginning of the Hopes of Hope program by then 9 year old Austin Gutwein. Austin had seen a World Vision program telling the plight of Maggie, and African ... Book Review: Take Your Best Shot by austin Gutwein
On 1/12 Russel Dains wrote: Young people are often associated with poor choices and selfish living. Not Austin Gutwein. This teenage boy took what he loved and used it to help AIDS orphans in Africa. By creating the Hoops for Hopes program, Austin has raised funds to build a school and medical clinic for those who need it. Take ... Young people doing big things...
On 1/6 Desiree Bochman wrote: “Take your Best Shot” was an inspiring and motivating book to read. Austin at age 9, founded Hoops of Hope. This foundation raised money more for kids orphaned due to Aids. He reached out to these kids, and gave them hope through basketball. Austin was selfless in his quest to help these kids. ... Take Your Best Shot
On 1/2 Ginger Dail wrote: I finally finished Take Your Best Shot - it was so sweet! It's about a young boy who learns about poverty through child sponsorship (via World Vision). After I got used to his reflections, "back when I was eight...," I was finally able to dive into the story - I will say, I was surprised at how well ... Take Your Best Shot
On 12/30 rick clark wrote: Just finished Take Your Best Shot byAustin Gutwein. All I can say is wow!!!! What this world would be like if more teenagers felt a call to make a difference in the world while sharing God's love. Heck, if more adults could do something this world would be a great place. This young man took something ... Take Your Best Shot
On 12/30 Sheila DeChantal wrote: It is people like Austin Gutwein who inspire me to be a better person. ~ Sheila Only God could weave a story that would captivate people all over the world, bring thousands of people from seventeen countries to a free-throw line, raise over a million dollars in international AIDS relief, and build a school and ... Take Your Best Shot by Austin Gutwein
On 12/19 Craig Hardee wrote: This book was provided to me free to review by the Thomas Nelson book review blogger program. Nine year old Austin Gutwein became concerned about the number of children who were dying of AIDS in Africa. But unlike most of the rest of us, he actually did something about it. Now 16, Austin started the ... Take Your Best Shot, By Austin Gutwein with Todd Hillard
On 12/17 Tiffany Malloy wrote: For my first post-semester book, I chose one that I've had around for a couple months now called Take Your Best Shot by Austin Gutwein (yep, that's the founder of Hoops of Hope) and Todd Hillard. It's a young adult book, so it was a very relaxing, quick read that left me encouraged and motivated to do ... Take Your Best Shot by Austin Gutwein
On 12/13 Johnnie Donley wrote: See a need. Discover your passion. Pursue your vision. When nine-year-old Austin Gutwein sees the heartbreaking need of African orphans, he discovers his passion for basketball can raise money for these children. Over the next few years, Austin pursues his vision to raise money to build a school and ... Need + Passion + Vision = Something Big!
On 12/9 Tami Qualls wrote: How much do you expect your child to do spiritually? For the benefit of others? Have you even given it any thought? My kiddos' world consists of family, school, church, sports, and the things they find entertaining, like the grand ol' playstation. It doesn't extend much past that realm. After reading ... Take Your Best Shot: Do Something Bigger Than Yourself
On 12/9 Sarah Katie wrote: I had the privilege of seeing Austin Gutwein speak amidst a crowd of screaming (quite enthusiastically i might add) girls at a recent stop of the Revolve tour.I was really excited when i received this book from Thomas Nelson a few days later. Conferences are always a whirlwind and it’s nice to get a “refresher” ... Take Your Best Shot
On 12/8 Birgit Phelps wrote: In "Take your best shot" Austin Gutwein (writing with Todd Hillard) shows us how one person can make a difference. Most of us see a video of yet another group of suffering people in the world, and go "that's so sad," and maybe donate a few bucks to the cause. Austin( at the age of 9) was so stirred ... A story of how one person can make a difference
On 12/8 Leon Bloder wrote: Take Your Best Shot: Do Something Bigger Than Yourself by Austin Gutwein (with Todd Hillard) is the kind of book that I am going to assert my parental authority and make my 15 year-old son start reading. I know that if he begins to read it, he won't be able to put it down. Austin Gutwein ... Take Your Best Shot - Book Review
On 12/8 Lori Mooney wrote: I just finished reading this enormously inspiring book that challenged me to really push further and “Do Something Bigger than Myself.” And it was written by a teenager. Not just any teenager, but one that is making a huge impact on the lives of AIDS orphans in Africa. This book showed me that anyone can make a ... Take Your Best Shot By Austin Gutwein
On 12/7 Angie Knutson wrote: Take Your Best Shot: Do Something Bigger Than Yourself is a truly inspiring book about an amazing young man and his passion for a cause! There is no way you can read this book and not feel convicted to make a difference. I was really inspired by Austin himself, but also by his parents. I want to be the ... Inspiration for Teens and Adults
On 12/2 Timothy Kirkpatrick wrote: Take Your Best Shot by Austin Gutwein, with Todd HIllard Take Your Best Shot is a great book for pre-teens and younger teens who are looking for practical ways to show Christ to their world. Austin is one kid who was naive enough to think he could change the world he lived in. Using his love ... Take Your Best Shot
On 12/1 Pamela McCurdy wrote: I LOVE THIS BOOK!!! Austin has left me with a sense of anticipation to see just how God will use my family as we begin to simply take our best shot!!! In his first book, Austin Gutwein tells the story of how Hoops of Hope began when he was just 9 yrs old! Austin is the founder of Hoops of Hope....THE ... Learning life from a child's view...
On 11/25 Samantha Wright wrote: “When you put your all into something, when you're so inspired or dedicated that you give it all you've got, you are taking your best shot.” Do these sound like words that would come from a teenager who claims, “I'm no different than you, I'm just a normal kid.”? Amazingly, Take Your Best Shot ... Take Your Best Shot by Austin Gutwein
On 11/21 Karla Foisy wrote: Nine-year-old Austin Gutwein was minding his own business one day, when his dad showed him a four-minute video of a starving orphan in Africa.Her name was Maggie, and Austin wanted to help her. But he "knew" he was only one person. What could HE do? Probably not much, right? Months went by, and Austin ... Hoops
On 11/21 Buzz Brockway wrote: Some of you may remember that earlier this year I participated in Hoops of Hope to raise money for AIDS orphans in Africa. Hoops of Hope was founded in 2004 by the then 9 year old Austin Gutwein. Last night I finished reading Take Your Best Shot: Do Something Bigger Than Yourself written by Gutwein ... Book Review: “Take Your Best Shot” – Austin Gutwein
On 11/17 Rebekah Henson wrote: Note: This book review was done as part of the Thomas Nelson Book Review Bloggers program. For more information on this program, please click the widget at the side of my blog.Austin Gutwein tells the story of how he began “Hoops of Hope” to help relieve AIDS victims in Africa. He explains how ... Take Your Best Shot by Austin Gutwein
On 11/16 Erik Willits wrote: Awareness is the start of Revolution and a good story can stir the imagination of the masses. These are two things that are true and come to life in the book, Take Your Best Shot by Austin Gutwein. This is simple book, written for a Jr. and Sr. High school audience but commutates a story that ... Take Your Best Shot :: Book Review
On 11/16 Shaun Stevenson wrote: The moment I cracked open the first few pages of Austin Gutwein's TAKE YOUR BEST SHOT, I knew I was in for something all right. I had heard vague stories about a kid who had done something with basketball to help the AIDS crisis, and I knew that this book talked all about that. I'll be honest, charity ... The Great Wall of Zambia
On 11/14 Lory Hunt wrote: In Take Your Best Shot, Austin Gutwein recounts his journey from sitting in his living room to founding Hoops for Hope, an organization providing AIDS relief in Africa. As a nine-year old Austin saw a video about the poverty and struggles children face every day. He knew he had to take action. Austin ... Take Your Best Shot
On 11/13 Cameron Van Zante wrote: Austin Gutwein was a 9 year old who wanted to make a change in someone's life. He created Hoops of Hope and has changed the lives of thousands of people in Africa. Jesus told us to help those in need and Austin has been doing that for many people. This was a great book that told an amazing story about ... Take Your Best Shot by Austin Gutwein with Todd Hillard
On 11/12 Heather Jones wrote: Before being sent Take Your Best Shot from Thomas Nelson publishers to review, I had not heard of this book by Austin Gutwein and Todd Hillard. I am very glad I got the chance to read this true story by Austin (now age 16) of how he began his organization Hoops of Hope. Austin tells how he was moved ... Take Your Best Shot
On 11/10 aimee buchert wrote: For nine year old Austin Gutwein his life was normal until his dad pops in a video from world vision. At hearing the story of a young African girl, he realizes that he has to do something to help her and kids like her. His incredibly encouraging story tells of how a simple act of playing basketball can ... Take Your Best Shot, written by Austin Gutwein
On 11/8 Jimmie L wrote: Austin Gutwein says, “If AIDS is contagious and brings death, shouldn’t hope be contagious and bring life?” Take Your Best Shot is a message of Christian hope, that anyone can use his passion to help others. It all starts with nine year old Austin’s watching a World Vision video that pricks ... Book Review: Take Your Best Shot by Austin Gutwein
On 11/4 Ginger Galloway wrote: No sooner had I put Take Your Best Shot down my, "I don't like to read," 16 year old daughter picked it up. The book is an inspiration to step up and do what God has given you the gifts to do and to make a difference, if not for the entire world, for someone's entire world. Take Your Best Shot is an ... Take Your Best Shot by Austin Gutwein - Book Review
On 11/2 Mandy Harter wrote: I recently recieved a book as part of a book review program, and want to share a little bit about it with all of you! I am reviewing this as part of the program, but this review is my own review of the product... I promise! :)The book that I recieved was one that I chose, that looked interesting to me ... ... taking your best shot ...
On 11/2 JD Eddins wrote: I turn 30 next year, so leave it to a 10 year old to inspire me to take my best shot! This is an amazing story for such a young guy. Austin shares how he was inspired to do more to help children in Africa who are suffering because of AIDS. This book not only inspired me so much that I gave my copy to ... Take Your Best Shot
On 11/2 Kelly Harbaugh wrote: This book will inspire you to dream like a child. Austin Gutwein, founder of Hoops for Hope, walks you through his story of taking action on his dream. Moved by a video about orphans in Africa, 9-year-old Austin decided that he needed to do something to help. Austin took his passion, basketball, and ... Take Your Best Shot by Austin Gutwein
On 11/1 Nelda Fastenau wrote: This is a story of 9-year-old Austin who steps out on faith and realizes God can use him and you. A short movie by World Vision about a girl named Maggie who was the same age as Austin changed his world forever. And instead of sitting back and doing nothing like a lot of us adults, he listened to God’s ... Book Review: take Your Best Shot
On 10/29 Denise Ridgway wrote: BuyReada.widgetLink, a.widgetLink:visited {text-decoration: none;font: 10px/10px arial;color:#ffffff}a.widgetLink:hover {text-decoration: underline;}div.widgetDiv {width: 100%;line-height: 22px;cursor: pointer}div.widgetDiv:hover {text-decoration: underline;cursor: pointer}I spent last night reading ... Take Your Best Shot - Book Review
On 10/28 michael childs wrote: “I'm not old enough; can God really use me?” “The world has a lot of problems; what difference can I make?” If these are questions that have ever found their way into your mind, then this book is for you. Austin Gutwein was nine years old when God began working in his heart, leading him to aid ... Take Your Best Shot by Austin Gutwein
On 10/27 Katrina Rapp wrote: I have just finished reading Take Your Best Shot by Austin Gutwein.Austin used this book to reach mainly kids and youth his own age...BUT I think it's a great read for Adults as well. It let me know that kids and youth want a higher standard of things that they should be doing. They don't just want to ... You CAN do something BIGGER than Yourself!
On 10/26 Shar Mohr wrote: It all started with one simple phrase: "God wants to use you." Do you believe it? Nine-year-old Austin Gutwein believed God wanted to use him, and before he could get a driver's license or even watch a PG-13 movie God used him to impact the lives of thousands of Africans afflicted with HIV/AIDS with ... Take Your Best Shot and Do Something Bigger Than Yourself
On 10/25 Tina reynolds wrote: Title: Take Your Best ShotAuthor: Austin Gutwein (with Todd Hilliard) Hoops of Hope I want to share a little bit with you about the new book I just got done reading. So here is a bit of a brief idea of what the story is about. This book is about Austin, a boy who, at nine years old, decided he ... Take Your Best Shot Review
On 10/25 Miranda Bryant wrote: A boy named Austin listened to his Sunday school teacher’s admission to do something for God. He thought about the talent he had which began something in the act of servant hood. Little did he know that his life purpose would be in the gift of a basketball. Not an NBA all star, but an all star shooter ... Take Your Best Shot
On 10/24 Scott Morrison wrote: Wow! This was an inspiring book. I could not put the book down. The story about Austin and his vision to really make a difference as teenager was great. As a youth pastor we hear some much negative about this generation. Stuff like they are lazy, apathetic and lack any vision. Austin breaks that mold ... Awesome Book!
On 10/23 Abbie Thompson wrote: I got this book just because it was free really. When I started reading it, I just thought at first that it would be a completely different thing than it was. This book is written by a nine year old boy who is sharing his experiences about how his foundation was started and why he started it. He talks ... Take Your Best Shot
On 10/23 Janelle Shillito wrote: Everyone in this world has needs. "Some are lonely. Some are struggling to find God. Some are sick, and some are hungry. Some people need clean water, and some people just need a friend. There may be an elderly lady down your street who needs her lawn mowed, or a lonely kid in your class who needs someone ... "Take Your Best Shot" by Austin Getwein
On 10/21 Nicole Sofet wrote: Take your best shot is a really inspirational book. The author Austin Gutwein, who started Hoops for Hope explains how to make a difference in the world. Hoops for Hope is an organization that raises money to help people who have AIDS. Austin got the once saw a video where a girl his age ... Take your best shot
On 10/21 Angie Alden wrote: This is the story of Austin Gutwein, an adolescent who, in 2004 as a nine year old, felt moved by God to do something to help AIDS orphans in Africa. A conversation with a staff member from the relief organization World Vision crystallized Austin’s desire and gave him direction through one simple ... Take Your Best Shot by Austin Gutwein
On 10/20 Freda Mans wrote: Full Description: Discover how you can respond to God's call in your own life, whether it's in your own town or on the other side of the world.Teen Austin Gutwein has taken his best shot several thousand times to help AIDS orphans in Africa and in the process has built a school and a medical clinic! ... Take Your Best Shot by Austin Gutwein, (Founder of Hoops for Hope) and Todd Hillard
On 10/20 Renee' McMichael wrote: I have to say, I found Take Your Best Shot to be one of the most inspirational books I have read in a long time. It is well written, to the point and I couldn't put the book down once I started reading it. I found Austin's journey to be quite amazing! I also really enjoyed the interactive sections at ... A Wonderful Inspirational Book!
On 10/19 Brenda Wood wrote: Take Your Best Shot by Austin Gutwein and Todd Hillard and Posted by: size10hopefil on: October 19, 2009 * In: Uncategorized * Comment! “God wants to use YOU!” It’s a pity most of us take so long to get this message. Austin figured it out by age nine and has been going along with God’s ... Take YOur Best Shot
On 10/15 Heather Terrell wrote: I just finished reading the book Take Your Best Shot by Austin Gutwein. I was initially drawn to this story after learning that it was written by a 14-year-old boy who decided to do something to make a difference. The story is written to teens but should be read by everyone. It's a very easy read about ... Take Your Best Shot
On 10/14 Edward Mann wrote: I heard the other day that there are two things you are remembered for 1. The problems you create, 2. The problems you solve. I want to be a part of the team that solves problems. As i was reading this book i knew Austin is one of the people that solves problems. He saw a problem and used what he could ... Take your best shot by Austin Gutwein and Todd Hillard
On 10/14 Anthony Stephens wrote: Last night, I finished this book from Austin Gutwein about his journey to making a difference in this world. I was intrigued about this book when I found out that Austin was a young boy who really believed that God could use him to make a difference in the world. This book was a very ... Book Review: “Take Your Best Shot”
On 10/14 Deena Peterson wrote: In an age where headlines scream bad press about today's youth and celebrity seems to be the goal...a book like this one (thanks to Thomas Nelson for my copy) brings hope back to my heart and inspires me to do more with my life. Austin Gutwein was moved by a four minute video of a young girl named ... A Hero For Me
On 10/13 Jean Fischer wrote: In the introduction to his book, Take Your Best Shot, fourteen-year-old Austin Gutwein writes: "Something is happening in our generation. Kids are really trying to make a difference in the world. They're reaching out to people in need, and they're stepping out of their comfort zones. Something is happening ... YA Book Review: Take Your Best Shot
On 10/12 Monica Bertone wrote: Austin Gutwein was moved when he learned there were more than 15 million children orphaned by HIV/AIDS. He organized a free-throw marathon and now his organization, Hoops of Hope, has raised over a million dollars to build a high school and medical clinic in Zambia. If you would like to look at Austin’s ... Take Your Best Shot by Austin Gutwein (Founder of Hoops for Hope) with Todd Hillard Book Review:
On 10/12 Tracie Nall wrote: Have you ever wondered what faith that can change the world really looks like? The book Take Your Best Shot gives an incredible example. When Austin Gutwein was only nine years old, he saw a video from World Vision called Maggie's Story. Maggie was also nine years old; but she lived in Zambia, and ... Take Your Best Shot by Austin Gutwein and Todd Hillard
On 10/7 Alyssa Liljequist wrote: Take Your Best Shot by Austin Gutwein (Founder of Hoops of Hope) with Todd Hillard I’m glad this teenager decided to write this book and I was given the chance to read it. This book is encouraging and inspiring. It is a reminder that, by God’s grace, kids and teens can make a difference. ... Book Review: Take Your Best Shot
On 10/5 Chris Richardson wrote: It is definitely geared towards the younger generation. The author often talks directly to them, telling them that although they are young, they can make a difference. As an adult I too understand that I can make a difference too although we sometimes forget that. We are too concentrated on the day in ... Take Your Best Shot by Austin Gutwein w/Todd Hillard
On 10/5 Kelly Hager wrote: Gutwein is a high school student in Phoenix and he started Hoops for Hope. If you're unfamiliar with that, it's the group that raises money for children in Africa. Basically, you take 1,000 free throws in a row and people sponsor you and that money goes to Africa. Africa's been devastated by the AIDS ... Take Your Best Shot
On 10/5 Jenny Johnson wrote: In graduate school, I tailored all of my projects, papers, and presentations to the issue of AIDS in Africa, and though I've never been able to visit sub-Saharan Africa like many of my friends (all of whom would thoroughly enjoy this book), I am still rather passionate about HIV/AIDS ... Take Your Best Shot
On 10/3 Becca C wrote: I didn't have high expectations for this book, given the sport themed title & graphics on the cover. However, I was very pleasantly surprised. I would recommend this book to anyone I know, young or old. While the chapters were fairly short, and it is a quick & easy read, the book is one of the more inspiring ... Definitely Give This Book a Shot!,
On 10/2 Gina Flynn wrote: This book, which in part tells the story of the beginning of the organization Hoops of Hope, will challenge you even while it shares with you one story of God's amazing power to transform lives. From the first page to the last Take Your Best Shot is a powerful testimony of how God can make a difference ... Book Review - Take Your Best Shot
On 10/1 Brenda Price wrote: Title: Take Your Best ShotAuthor: Austin Gutwein (with Todd Hilliard) Hoops of HopeGenre: YA non-fictionGrade: ASynopsis:This book is about Austin, a boy who, at nine years old, decided he wanted to make a difference. When he watched a World Vision video about a girl named Maggie who was ... REVIEW - Take Your Best Shot
On 10/1 Annalise Razberry wrote: This is a book for any teen who wants to do something with their lives by touching others. Austin from the age of 9 saw a video from World Vision on kids in Africa who live constantly in a society plagued by AIDS. Austin's compassion for these children and his love of basketball unite into action making ... Take Your Best Shot by Austin Gutwein w/Todd Hillard
On 9/29 Dawn Adams wrote: I was so excited yesterday. My book to review, Take Your Best Shot by Austin Gutwein, came in the mail. I have been like a kid on Christmas morning ever since I ordered it and read the first chapter online. Finally, I had the book in my hands. I finished it last night. It was a quick read as its target ... Take Your Best Shot by Austin Gutwein - Book Review
On 9/25 Ronnie Collins wrote: “Austin’s story is one of modern day heroism. He represents a new generation that can carry us all into the twenty-first century: a world of hope, peace and selfless love. Austin completely inspires me.” Daniel Biro, Hawk Nelson Wow is an understatement about this book. I was reluctant ... Book Review: Take your best shot